A family-oriented antenatal education program to improve birth preparedness and maternal-infant birth outcomes: A cross sectional evaluation study

Abstract

Background In Tanzania, the information on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness is insufficiently provided to pregnant women and their families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and infant outcomes of a family-oriented antenatal group education program that promotes Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in rural Tanzania. Methods Pregnant women and families were enrolled in a program about nutrition and exercise, danger signs, and birth preparedness. The cross sectional survey was conducted one year later to evaluate if the participants of the program (intervention group) were different from those who did not participate (control group) with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes. Results A total of 194 participants (intervention group, 50; control group, 144) were analyzed. For Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness, the intervention group participants knew a health facility in case of emergency (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.39–6.97); arranged accompaniment to go to a health facility for birth (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.17–5.60); decided the birthplace with or by the pregnant women (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.44–6.70); and attended antenatal clinic more than four times (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.20–4.78). For birth outcomes, the intervention group had less bleeding or seizure during labour and birth (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.13–0.58); fewer Caesarean sections (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07–0.36); and less neonatal complications (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13–0.60). Conclusions The four variables were significantly better in the intervention group, i.e., identifying a health facility for emergencies, family accompaniment for facility birth, antenatal visits, and involvement of women in decision-making, which may be key factors for improving birth outcome variables. Having identified these key factors, male involvement and healthy pregnant lives should be emphasized in antenatal education to reduce pregnancy and childbirth complications. Trial registration No.2013–273-NA-2013-101 . Registered 12 August 2013.

Informed consent and birth preparedness/complication readiness: A qualitative study at two tertiary maternity units

“…A great deal of literature refers to 'birth preparedness/ complication readiness'. 7 To the best of our knowledge, this research relates exclusively to low resource settings, 7 ie, Tanzania, 8 Cameroon, 9 Ethiopia, 10 India 11 and Uganda. 12 Although there is no agreed-upon definition, birth preparedness/complication readiness interventions generally intend to decrease maternal mortality and decrease delays in the uptake of care in the event of antenatal/intrapartum complications.…”

Identifying Mobile Health Technology Experiences and Preferences of Low-Income Pregnant Women with Diabetes

“…1–3 Studies have noted knowledge gaps among pregnant women, which may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes, 4-9 making antenatal education and support an important consideration in prenatal care. 10,11 However, disparities still exist to prenatal care access, more specifically to quality prenatal care and education among minority and low-income pregnant women. 12 Studies of pregnant women’s experiences indicate that interventions which support comprehensive, personalized education and behavior change could be beneficial.…”

A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles

“…Moreover, the information provided during antenatal care (ANC) is insufficient. In the resource-poor settings, antenatal group education is a potential approach because of the limited time for individual counseling at antenatal clinics.” 30 AIM “This study aimed to evaluate an antenatal group education program among pregnant women and their families with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes in rural villages of Tanzania.” 30 HYPOTHESIS “ The study hypothesis was if Tanzanian pregnant women and their families received a family-oriented antenatal group education, they would (1) have a higher level of BPCR, (2) attend antenatal clinic four or more times, (3) give birth in a health facility, (4) have less complications of women at birth, and (5) have less complications and deaths of infants than those who did not receive the education .” 30 …”

“…Moreover, the information provided during antenatal care (ANC) is insufficient. In the resource-poor settings, antenatal group education is a potential approach because of the limited time for individual counseling at antenatal clinics.” 30 …”

“…“This study aimed to evaluate an antenatal group education program among pregnant women and their families with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes in rural villages of Tanzania.” 30 …”